The start of the new Golden State Warriors season was kicked behind the paywall of a streaming service, in what feels like a foreboding sign for NBC in its return to NBA coverage. Golden State's season opener at the Los Angeles Lakers was the second game of a doubleheader on NBC.

The NBA's return to NBC with a doubleheader on Tuesday night averaged 5.61 million viewers, marking the most-watched October opening night in 15 years.